3D Sony Monitor? Aren't They Out of the Monitor Business
By Chris Connery
Vice President, PC and Large Format Commercial Displays, DisplaySearch The Sony brand was once synonymous with high-end computer monitors. Graphic designers, business users, and PC game enthusiasts all wanted a big Trinitron CRT monitor. The transition to LCD monitors came before Sony had made any investments in large-area LCD production, so other brands were able to capture share in the monitor market. Despite Sony’s strong brand association for monitors, they exited this business in late 2007. Sony stayed in the PC business—notebooks, all-in-one PCs, and even tablet PCs — but hasn’t had desktop PCs or monitors in years.
So it was somewhat of a surprise to see a Sony 3D “display” (not a TV or a monitor) bundled with a PlayStation 3D and glasses, offered at two different national retail chains in the US.
On the Best Buy website, a glitch in the HTML programming indicates that the product is part of a test market as opposed to a roll-out to all 1,100 U.S. stores.
The same product is also being promoted by gaming retailer GameStop, which has 4,400 brick-and-mortar stores, but is not well known for display-related hardware for gaming. A quick search reveals that the product is also available at Target (at least Target.com), Amazon, as well as elsewhere.
The 3D display is branded PlayStation and comes from Sony Computer Entertainment, not the VAIO or TV group. So it is difficult to draw any parallels to the Sony monitors of the past or to the Sony TVs of today. The display seems to leverage an AUO 24” FHD LED-BLU panel.
3D “monitors” are nothing new and have struggled to gain acceptance. The positioning for this one is not very clear, since it is not really a monitor and it is not really a TV, but is basically a dedicated gaming display. We are watching sell-in vs. sell-through trends to see if the “3D monitor” market takes off. If just one major retailer picks up the product for nationwide rollout—as opposed to test marketing—then sell-in to the channel might grow rapidly as retailers need to have at least “one to show and one to go.” But, as always, sell-in does not mean sell-through. Chris Connery is vice president of PC and large format commercia displays for DisplaySearch.
This article was reprinted with permission and originally appeared on the DisplaySearch blog. Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top This Week from rAVe NOW's BlogSquad Back to Top Let's Talk Numbers For many electronic systems contractors (ESCs), discussing the financials of your business seems as appealing as getting a root canal. In an industry filled with people who do what they do because of a passion for technology, the “business” side of running a business can sometimes seem like a necessary evil.
But if your company is not making money and you don’t know why, the answer may be hiding in your financial statements. And you may not be able to find the solutions you need if your financial statements are not organized in a meaningful way.
Many ESCs rely on a CPA or tax preparer to help them set up their books. There is nothing wrong with employing a professional to help you, but be aware their methods may be more focused on what makes things easier for them, and not necessarily the best setup for your business. Another popular option is to purchase an off-the-shelf, generic accounting package that helps you set up your books in an all-purpose general fashion. When all is said and done, either one of these methods may work for you, but they probably won’t show you the information you need to help you make important business decisions.
To better understand your financial statements, you need to look at your Chart of Accounts, which forms the backbone of any financial system. The Chart of Accounts is a list of all the possible accounts that can be used to categorize money in and money out. These accounts are grouped together by account types to create the Profit and Loss Statement (also referred to as the P&L or Income Statement) and the Balance Sheet. But unless these accounts are created and organized in a meaningful way, the statements that are produced from these accounts will not be effective for good financial management.
Many ESCs have long looked for guidance in creating a set of books that is specifically designed for this industry and have not been able to find it. CEDIA has recognized this need and has created a tool to help members start to “own” their books.
While technical knowledge is crucial to operating a company in this industry, business knowledge is crucial to managing a successful and profitable company. Therefore, as a benefit to CEDIA members, CEDIA has developed a recommended Chart of Accounts. As part of this package, CEDIA has made available as a download both an Excel spreadsheet that contains a listing of suggested accounts as well as a white paper to help you understand how to use the Chart of Accounts.
The New Year is quickly approaching – start it off in the right financial direction by familiarizing yourself with the new Chart of Accounts and preparing yourself for the new process of organizing your financial data.
CEDIA members can log in to the forum on CEDIA Crosspoint at http://www.cediacrosspoint.com, where they can download the Recommended Chart of Accounts and corresponding White Paper, make comments, ask questions, and share information with peers. If you have questions about the Recommended Chart of Accounts, contact Erica Shonkwiler at research@cedia.org. Back to Top StJohn Group, Inc. Changes Focus, Stops All Product Distribution Effective immediately, StJohn Group, Inc. discontinues distribution of audio/video products in the North American market for its current vendors, Artcoustic, Cabasse, Cineversum and IMAGE Screens.
Prior to becoming a distributor in 2002, StJohn Group had, for seven years, performed marketing services for companies in the financial, wholesale, retail, and custom installation industries. Specializing in advertising campaigns, business market development, corporate identity, web development, public relations and collateral development. StJohn Group clients included Russound, A-Bus, Cinematech, InPro Sales, Modern Home Systems, HomeTheater Magazine, Kretek International, Niles Audio, SpeakerCraft, The Center for Due Diligence, and CalCrystal Labs, ComClok and many others.
According to owner Kevin Leja, StJohn Group will get back to its roots as a marketing and business development company. Future business will focus on evaluation and development of companies' web based presence, as well as social networking, mobile applications, and more traditional web and print-based marketing. Manufacturers, representative firms, retailers, custom installers, and support companies who are in need of market development should contact Kevin Leja at 360-756-2205.
The company's remaining inventory has been drastically reduced in price and is available for purchase at http://www.stjohngroup.com
Dealers needing information about the manufacturers previously distributed by StJohn Group may contact them here:
http://www.artcoustic.com
http://www.cabasse.com
http://www.cineversum.com
http://www.image-screens.com Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top StJohn Group Co-Founder Sets Up Distribution Plan John Caldwell, the co-founder of StJohn Group, has launched a new company called GRACE MOTIF that, like StJohn used to do, is dedicated to marketing and distributing “luxury class technology” for dealers with design-centric clients in the residential, commercial and hospitality markets. GRACE MOTIF will initially focus on exclusive North American distribution of the A/V product lines that Caldwell has helped to champion over the last nine years: Artcoustic loudspeakers from Denmark, Cineversum projectors from France and Image Screens from Germany.
Based in Scottsdale, Ariz., GRACE MOTIF already has seventeen regional representative firms and is working closely with 800 specialty A/V dealers in North America. Their brands are only sold through qualified dealers and never over the Internet.
More details can be found here: http://gracemotif.com/ Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top ClearOne's Profit Up 12 Percent For the third quarter that ended Sept. 30, 2011, revenue increased 11 percent to $11.5 million from $10.4 million for the 2010 third quarter. Gross profit rose 12 percent to $7.0 million, or 61 percent of revenue, from $6.3 million, or 60 percent of revenue, for the 2010 third quarter. Operating income climbed to $5.4 million from $781,000 for the prior year period. Net income increased to $3.4 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, from $987,000, or $0.11 per diluted share, for the 2010 third quarter. Financial results for the 2011 third quarter included a favorable judgment award of $3.7 million related to litigation against Biamp Systems Corp. for theft of ClearOne trade secrets. Non-GAAP operating income, which excludes the $3.7 million judgment, share based compensation, amortization of purchased intangibles, and certain legal expenses, was $1.8 million, an increase of 93 percent over non-GAAP operating income of $0.9 million for the same quarter last year.
For the first nine months of 2011, revenue increased 19 percent to $34.1 million from $28.7 million for the same period of 2009. Gross profit increased 19 percent to $20.4 million, or 60 percent of revenue, from $17.1 million, or 60 percent of revenue, for the comparable prior year period. Operating income rose to $8.4 million from $1.8 million during the same nine months of 2010. Non-GAAP operating income more than doubled to $5.8 million from $2.6 million for the comparable period last year. Net income grew to $5.5 million, or $0.59 per diluted share, compared with net income of $1.6 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, for the comparable prior-year period.
At Sept. 30, 2011, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $13.1 million, and no debt. The cash position as of Sept. 30, 2011 reflects the payment of $750,000 for the MagicBox acquisition.
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top LCD TV Shipments Rebound Ahead of 2011 Holiday Selling Period 2011 has been a challenging year for the TV industry. Sluggish consumer demand in developed regions, like North America, Japan and Western Europe, has led to poor profitability on the part of TV set makers and panel makers. With supply chain inventory problems persisting well into mid-year, many TV brands cut back on their shipment plans for 2011 and reduced panel orders in Q3, which resulted in larger price declines for those core panels. The upside for consumers is more attractive retail set prices during the upcoming holiday season, particularly during Black Friday in the U.S.
“End-market demand has been weak in North America during most of 2011, with unit shipments falling around 4 percent Y/Y through the first three quarters of the year,” noted Paul Gagnon, Director of North America TV Research, DisplaySearch. “However, consumers, still quite sensitive to pricing, may be delaying purchases until the holidays when they expect to see the best deals. Consumers have learned this practice from observing previous holiday selling periods.”
According to the latest figures published in the DisplaySearch Advanced Quarterly Global TV Shipment and Forecast Report, total TV market shipments were up 3.7 percent Y/Y in Q3’11 to 62M units, a 12 percent increase from Q2’11. This marks a healthy rebound from the 1 percent Y/Y shipment decline in Q2’11 and weak 1 percent Y/Y gain in Q1. However, orders for LCD and plasma panels used in the production of TV sets were both down in Q3’11, resulting in a somewhat lean inventory situation towards the end of the quarter. Many suppliers have taken a conservative approach to inventory for the holidays. Therefore, if demand is better than expected, there may not be much slack in the supply chain to fulfill restocking orders. This could potentially lead to some product shortages.
LCD TV shipments worldwide were about 1 percent better than forecasted, rising 12.9 percent Y/Y to 51.5M units compared to single-digit annual growth during Q1 and Q2’11. This is a good indication of improving demand in end markets. Retail prices for some LCD sizes are falling below key price levels, like $300 for 32” and $500 for 40-42”. The transition to LED backlights continues, but the rate of adoption has been slower than expected. LED-backlit models have not been able to pass the 50 percent level, accounting for 48 percent of total LCD TV shipments, with the vast majority of those being edge-lit models. Similarly, higher frame-rate models (120Hz or higher) have been mostly unchanged through 2011, representing about 22 percent of LCD shipments in the quarter. 3D grew to about 11% of LCD TVs, up from 9 percent in Q2. The slower growth of these two advanced features is indicative of a continuation of conservative consumer spending and reluctance to pay significant premiums.
Plasma TV shipments had shown increasing softness in recent quarters, declining 6% Y/Y in Q2’11 and falling 14% Y/Y in Q3’11 to 4.1M units. The decline in plasma TV shipments is the result of closer price competition with LCD models, leading to a transfer of market share at key sizes like 42” and 50”. In addition, poor profitability at plasma TV heavyweight Panasonic has led to a shift in focus to larger models and more richly-featured sets with less emphasis on price competition. Within plasma, 720p models account for about two thirds of unit shipments, but DisplaySearch forecasts a bigger shift to 1080p in the near future. Finally, 3D rose to about 27 percent of plasma TV shipments in Q3.
By region, China increased to more than 21 percent of all global TV shipments to become the clear leader in global TV demand. Shipments to China seasonally increase during Q3, ahead of October Golden Week promotions, but the level of share gain was substantial compared to previous years. The softness in consumer demand seen for developed regions led to much weaker growth than for emerging regions, with total unit shipments rising 12 percent Y/Y in emerging regions and falling 8 percent Y/Y in developed regions, and China is a major driver of the stronger growth in emerging regions. In addition, adoption of advanced features, like 3D, has performed better in China than any other region. In fact, China was the leading region for LED LCD TV shipments as well as for 3D LCD TVs.
3D Accounts for 11 Percent of Total TV Units and 27 Percent of Revenues
3D continued to see solid gains in shipment and revenue penetration worldwide, but the focus of those gains is somewhat surprising. Through the first three quarters of 2011, Western Europe and China were the leading adopters of 3D at 13 percent and 11 percent of total TV unit shipments, respectively. North America was initially forecast to be the leading market for 3D TV, but 3D accounted for only about 8.5 percent of total unit shipments. An unwillingness to pay much of a premium for 3D, and lower availability of low-cost 3D sets, compared to regions like China, have impacted uptake of 3D. During the upcoming holiday selling season in the U.S., 3D is not expected to be highly promoted. Instead, retailers will focus on large sizes with strong value pricing, but with lighter feature content.
Samsung Remains the #1 Global TV Brand, Leading in LCD and Plasma TV
Samsung’s global flat panel TV revenue share was up slightly in Q3’11 to 22.8 percent, a substantial lead over the #2 brand LGE. Samsung was the #1 brand on a revenue basis in every region, with the exception of Japan, where it does not sell TVs, and led LGE (a strong emerging market brand) in Asia Pacific and Latin America. Samsung was #1 in LCD and plasma TV revenues, #2 in CRT TV revenues, and was the only top 5 brand to post Y/Y growth in revenues.
LGE was the #2 brand worldwide at 13.1 percent with small Q/Q and Y/Y revenue declines. LGE was #2 in LCD TV and #3 in plasma TV, but continued to lead in CRT TV with more than double the revenue share of any other brand. Sony remained the #3 brand in global flat panel TV revenues during Q3’11, but saw a significant decrease in market share and posted a 13 percent Y/Y decline in total revenues. Panasonic and Sharp rounded out the top 5 with Sharp gaining revenue share on increased shipments of large sizes like 60”.
Samsung was the #1 global brand of 3D TV overall, accounting for all technologies, with 31 percent of revenues. Within the 3D LCD TV category, Samsung was #1 while Panasonic claimed the top 3D plasma TV revenue share. Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top 3D LCD TV Panel Shipments Grew 27 Percent in Q3'11, NPD DisplaySearch Reports Shipments of 3D LCD TV panels reached 6.6 million units in Q3’11, accounting for 27 percent growth Q/Q. The pattern retarder type and shutter glass type are growing by 34 percent and 23 percent, respectively. According to NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Large-Area TFT LCD Shipment Report – Advanced LED + 3D, panel makers are targeting very strong 30 percent growth in 3D LCD TV panel shipments for Q4’11. Downstream manufacturers and brands are continuously promoting 3D, and end-user awareness and interest are growing. In Q3’11, 3D TV panel penetration in total LCD TV panel shipments reached 12 percent.
While LCD TV panel shipments did not grow in Q3’11, 3D panel shipment growth was healthy, and panel makers are targeting 30 percent Q/Q growth for Q4’11. According to NPD DisplaySearch estimates based on panel makers’ shipment targets, 3D LCD TV panel shipments will reach 21.5 million units in 2011, with 3D penetration in LCD TV panels of 10 percent (4 percent pattern retarder type and 6 percent shutter glass type). Furthermore, with the launch of a series of newly developed low-cost 3D solutions, panel makers are targeting 20 percent 3D penetration in LCD TV panels by Q3’12. This level of 3D TV penetration may lead to more content availability.
In addition to 3D TV, panel makers are aggressively promoting 3D monitor panels, especially for consumer entertainment PC and game markets. In 3D LCD monitors, pattern retarder makers are more aggressive than shutter glass makers. Panel makers are targeting shipments of more than 1.5 million per quarter from Q2’12 onward. This is up from 250,000 units in Q3’11. Back to Top Global Caché and Intelligent Designs Form Partnership Global Caché and Intelligent Designs Group announced a strategic partnership this week that basically says the companies can each sell and market each other's hardware and software. As you probably know, Global Caché's control products allow for Wi-Fi and/or IP network-based control and monitoring and Intelligent Designs provides software for mobile phones and handheld devices — so with this partnership, you'd be able to control systems connected via Global Caché's network through a mobile device.
For more details on Total Control Apps from Intelligent Designs Group, go here: http://www.totalcontrolapp.com/
For more information about Global Caché, click here: http://www.globalcache.com/ Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Thunderbolt Weds PCI Express and DisplayPort for Data Transfers at 10Gbps Thunderbolt technology is a new Intel high-speed PC connection technology that brings together high-speed data transfer and HD display on to a single cable.
Running at 10Gbps, Thunderbolt technology can transfer a full-length HD movie in less than 30 seconds. This Intel-developed technology comes to market through a collaboration with Apple, so it’s first available on Apple's newest line of MacBook Pro. But in Q4, you’ll start seeing Thunderbolt in other brands.
Intel is working with the industry on a range of Thunderbolt technology-enabled products including computers, displays, storage devices, audio/video devices, cameras, docking stations and more.
Thunderbolt combines high-speed data and HD video connection via two communications protocols — PCI Express for data transfer and DisplayPort for displays. The Thunderbolt port looks identical to the mini DisplayLink port because it is compatible with existing DisplayPort displays and adapters. All Thunderbolt technology devices share a common connector, and let individuals simply daisy-chain their devices one after another, connected by electrical or optical cables. The same port can connect up to six devices.
Companies with Thunderbolt-included products you’ll see soon: Aja, Apogee, Avid, Blackmagic, LaCie, Promise and Western Digital.
Here's a video that explains the technology: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gk69pCcVSSQ&feature=player_embedded Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top New Remote from dnp Using what dnp claims is a "sleek black design" with an aluminium rim, the new hand-held remote for dnp Supernova Flex and Supernova Epic Screens brings a high-end cinema-style to something that we all need – another remote sitting around the room. With an operating range of up to 30-feet, each command is assigned one button — a pretty simple, but effective solution as an upper set of buttons controls the Supernova Epic while a lower set controls the Supernova Flex. Those with a Supernova Epic Screen can now create and store custom formats using just two buttons; Supernova Flex users benefit from the new three-second save function which reduces the risk of storing custom settings by mistake.
All new Supernova Epic and Flex Screens are supplied with this remote at no extra cost. It is also compatible with older Supernova Epic or Flex Screen models and can be pruchased separately. For more details, go here: http://www.dnp-screens.com/DNP08/About-dnp/News-and-cases/Latest-screen-news.aspx Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Kramer Intros HDMI UTP Matrix Kramer's new VM-114H4C accepts two input signals, one HDMI and one DGKat (HDMI over twisted pair), and switches between these two inputs while outputting the signal selected over four identical DGKat outputs. The VM-114H4C features EDID handling and processing, plus equalization re-clocking technology, which rebuilds the digital signal so that it can travel longer distances. According to Kramer, with the maximum data rate of 2.25 Gbps per graphics channel, the VM-114H4C supports 3D pass-through, Deep Color, x.v.Color and uncompressed audio channels (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD). It is HDCP and HDTV compatible.
The VM-114H4C requires the use of shielded twisted pair (STP) cable.
You can see all the specs here: http://www.kramerus.com/products/model.asp?pid=2039 Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top iPort's LaunchPort Ships! The world's first inductive charging and mounting solution for the iPad2 is shipping in the form of the iPort LaunchPad – the coolest-looking and best-integrated iPad 2 mount for control or streaming we've seen yet.
LaunchPort consists of three parts:
1 – PowerShuttle hard case with inductive charging for iPad 2
2 – BaseStation table top mounting and charging station for the PowerShuttle
3 – WallStation wall mounting and charging station for the PowerShuttle
The PowerShuttle attaches to the BaseStation and WallStation using extremely strong neodymium magnets, which provide a very secure mounting solution, even if accidentally bumped or knocked. Because these magnets are located on the PowerShuttle, iPad 2 can even be mounted to any metallic surface. The LaunchPort inductive charging system starts working as soon as the PowerShuttle is docked onto either the WallStation or BaseStation. This means users will no longer need to contend with plugging in cables whenever they want to recharge their iPad 2; simply place it on a Station and walk away.
The BaseStation and WallStation provide iPad 2 users with a “home base” for their iPad 2 when they are not using it in their homes and the convenience of knowing that it will always be charged when needed. The BaseStation and WallStation also allow a user to rotate her iPad 2 through a full 360 degrees into landscape or portrait mode while mounted. The BaseStation has been designed at the perfect operating angle to make typing and page browsing comfortable and user-friendly.
The PowerShuttle provides an ergonomic feel to the iPad 2 with handgrips on either side and features an acoustic wave-guide that passively amplifies and redirects iPad 2’s rear facing speaker towards the user.
They've got a dedicated site with videos and install details here: http://eblast.danainnovations.com/launchport/ Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Sharp Elite TVs Now Available for Auto Calibration Via SpectraCal's CalMAN Software Add Sharp Elite to the number of displays that can be directly controlled from leading video calibration software CalMAN as SpectraCal now has direct access to the Sharp Elite’s calibration controls.
Previously, video calibration had been a complicated process that used on-screen menus with a remote control. And every display has different controls, called different names, with different sets of effects and side-effects. With CalMAN, adjusting the display becomes as easy as adjusting the relative height of bars on a chart. CalMAN directly communicates with the display, measures the result of the change, and zeroes in on the desired result.
Sharp Elite LCD televisions incorporate proprietary RGB+Y technology, which adds a yellow sub-pixel to the standard red/green/blue color palette. Sharp says that the addition of the yellow sub-pixel enables the reproduction of a much broader range of colors. In addition, RGB+Y create higher brightness using less power and more accurately depicts vivid yellows and vibrant golds. With its control over the display’s color management system (CMS), adjustments that used to require hours can be done in minutes.
The Sharp Elite workflow will be included in the new CalMAN AutoCal (AC) add-on license that costs $99. Complete details are here: http://store.spectracal.com/
Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Vizio Ships Home Theater Sound Bar with Sub Vizio's new VHT 215 Home Theater Sound Bar is now shipping. The sound bar is ntegrated with two HDMI 1.4a inputs and an HDMI 1.4a output with Audio Return Channel (ARC) in addition to digital audio inputs (both optical and coaxial), and a stereo analog audio input that enables multiple components to be connected to the sound bar. Only a single cable is necessary to connect from the sound bar to the HDTV. Audio support includes Dolby Digital and the combination of SRS StudioSound HD and SRS TruVolume. And, using 2.4 GHz wireless HD audio, it includes a wireless subwoofer that can be placed as far as 60 feet away.
Listed at $319, full specs are here: http://www.vizio.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=VHT215 Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Acer Launches Gaming Display That Converts 2D to 3D The new Acer HR274H is a 27-inch 3D monitor featuring a system that converts any 2D content to 3D. Using a native 1920×1080, LED-backlit LCD and integrated with one HDMI input, the HR274H monitor easily connects to any 3D-enabled PC, Blu-ray player, game console, cable set top box or camera. One differentiator is that Acer's monitor converts any 2D content to 3D in real-time with no extra software required, thus allowing regular movies and traditional photos and videos to be displayed in 3D using polarized (non-powered) glasses. Acer also claims it has a 1 million:1 contrast ratio and is Energy Star certified, as well as packaged in 100 percent recycled materials.
The 27-inch Acer HR274H 3D LCD lists for $599 and you can see details here: http://us.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/series/monitor-3d Leave a Comment
Share Article Back to Top Lenbrook Appoints Jeff Talmadge for Product Management & Technical Support Manager Lenbrook America, the U.S. distributor for NAD and PSB, has appointed Jeff Talmadge to the position of product management and technical support manager. To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Doug Albregts Appointed President of Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America Sharp has announced the appointment of Doug Albregts as president of Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation). In his position, Albregts is responsible for directing the strategic growth and profitability of Sharp’s Business to Business (B2B) operations by increasing sales via channel and resellers, expanding market share and maintaining high levels of quality and innovation. To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top CEDIA Increases Ranking in Trade Show Executive Magazine's Gold 100 CEDIA was honored by Trade Show Executive magazine as one of 100 shows that "set the gold standard" for the exposition industry. CEDIA EXPO increased its ranking, based on square footage, economic contribution and green initiatives, from 57 for 2009 to 45 for 2010. To read the complete press release online, click here. | Back to Top KEF Joins D-Tools' Manufacturer Vantage Point Program D-Tools has announced that KEF America has joined its Manufacturer Vantage Point (MVP) program. To read the complete press release online, click here. | Back to Top Savant Partners with Panamax/Furman Panamax/Furman announced this month that the company has teamed up with Savant to provide dealers with a set of TCP/IP and two-way RS232 driver modules for Panamax/Furman BlueBOLT-compatible power management components and UPS solutions. The new modules deliver local control via Savant's control and automation solutions, built on Mac OSX, and remote access through BlueBOLT's cloud-based remote power and energy management platform. To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top Sharp Names Jeffrey Leopold Director of Public Relations Jeffrey Leopold has joined Sharp Electronics as director of public relations. Leopold has a strong background in public relations and marketing, working at both agencies and at corporations. At public relations firm Porter Novelli, Mr. Leopold worked on consumer brands including Gillette, Sprint, HP and Polaroid. At Ogilvy, Leopold was senior vice president, director of global communications for Ogilvy PR and Ogilvy Action. While at Disney, he was responsible for promotional marketing in New York for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. To read the complete press release online, click here. Back to Top For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe HomeAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100% opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the high-end HomeAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
Don’t like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas: Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe Publications has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA, launched in February, 2004.
To read more about my background, our team, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top Copyright 2011 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 210 Old Barn Ln. – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: sara@ravepubs.com
rAVe HomeAV Edition contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |